While kitchen facilities may be nightmarish economically, it cannot be denied that it is the focal point of the home. This common ground deserves all the attention and the expense. A wise investment, besides the style factor that is so important these days, the utilities play a significant role. Property values are going to increase significantly, if the occasion arises to sell and relocate, maybe to greener pastures.

Begin planning!
It is important to be clear about what is expected from the new kitchen. Perhaps the layout of the old kitchen was limited. Smart space utility would turn it around. Structural alterations may be needed. If needed, a window and door may need to be bricked up if they are getting in the way. Plan the locations of the cooking range, worktop and the floor storage units, the sink and the overhead shelves. Size matters for sure and the older homes traditionally have smaller kitchen spaces, maybe 4 m X 3 m. It would be a test of imagination to figure out what goes where.

Sketch a detailed floor plan to scale to visualize what the arrangements would look like. What design would be feasible? Ventilation is crucial and lighting too. By bricking up the windows and door, I now got two complete walls. French doors would lead to the back garden.

Budget reasons made us decide that the plumbing expense may be reduced by keeping the worktop and sink in the same position. The fridge would remain where it was and the possibility was of more cupboards and working space with the two walls. A breakfast bar would also serve as a working table. The sketch being ready, the work could commence.

Installing the cupboards
You can imagine the mess while the builders were at work. Along with the plumber, the electrician and plasterer did their work. I was busy planning the cupboard positions. I know carpentry and would save some expense with the IKEA kitchen units. DIY experience does help.

At the end of the sink would be the breakfast bar in an L shape with two stools. Extra space came from the washing machine that was now in the bathroom.

Cupboards went next to the cooking range on the wall and floor, under the sink and above the sink. Frying pans, sauce pans and oven dishes need to be conveniently near the cooking area.

A feel of the outdoors
Along with the French doors leading to the back garden, an awning would create greater space dimensions and fuse the inner and outer ambiances.

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Since most of Pam’s activities revolve around the kitchen area we decided that we would need to do something fast to correct this nasty and forgotten area of the house. With that thought in mind the kitchen was designated as the next priority. As you can see from the before photos this area had some serious problems, actually more than we were aware of. Our immediate concern was to establish some sort of functionality in the room. We first thought perhaps we would renovate the kitchen first before the living room but I wanted to see some progress being made and chose the lesser of the evils. Who knows it is likely that the kitchen will undergo a number of transformations in the future.

We started with a couple of coat of fresh paint on the walls and woodwork. This helped a lot. It is amazing what a little paint can accomplish for a room. We carefully looked at all the kitchen appliances (stove and dishwasher were the only appliances in the home) and decided that the filth was too much. I went out and purchased a new dishwasher and stove for Pam. We still had our refrigerator so we put that in place. Even a good scrubbing couldn’t help those appliances that were in the home.

It was almost too fearful to start taking pictures of our new home. From one room to the next all we see was vast amounts of filth. Nasty surroundings greeted us at every corner of the home however during our pre-cleaning phase when all we were doing is taking pictures I thought I would break the rooms down one by one. I must warn everyone this house is the leader in the “Cult of the Filth” so have your life insurance paid as you view these pictures. You can see the before images of the filthy kitchen which we recently encountered. First notice the unclean stove ready to haunt anyone entering the kitchen. Who would ever want to cook a meal on that? The refrigerator was not working so that was sent to the salvage yard for scrape (as was the unclean stove). Glance with caution at the image showing behind the stove as it looks like it hasn’t been cleaned for many long years.

You will notice that there were many floor tiles in the kitchen that will need to be replaced. It is obvious that the previous occupant was not very clean and failed to maintain the house to standards.

The light and fan assemblies that were in the kitchen/dining room combination were in pretty bad condition and we decided to replace them with just a ceiling light. The fan in the dining area would hit the door of the cabinet when it was opened. The lights served much better for us.

We placed our refrigerator where the previous tenets frig was located and since it had a water supply line already run for the ice maker is was very convenient for us. Pam took a small cabinet that she had and placed it in the middle of the floor to use as an island for working on. This also is merely a temporary condition. The dining room area has the table and four chairs in it while her china cabinet had to be placed essentially in the kitchen. The counters at the breakfast bar cleaned up real good and once Pam put some of her items on it the area began to take on a new and exciting life of its own.

The French doors leading from the kitchen/dining room to the rear deck are in bad shape and will need to be replaced in the future. In the mean time at some point in the future we will be adding on a formal dining room for Pam but that will be later in time. Pam put some curtains up to the windows and it doesn’t look too bad. The floor was in such bad shape that we had to place a piece of wood over a section of it. Over the wood Pam put a carpet runner and it doesn’t look bad at all. It will do until we have the time and funds to redo the complete kitchen/dining area floor. At least now we have a complete kitchen and Pam can now unpack the remainder of her kitchen boxes.

When the sun starts to shine brighter and the flowers start to bloom, it gives you a feeling of happiness and restoration. You want to create new things and start new projects because you feel revived. The same goes for your home. Spring will be here sooner than you think. So now is a good time to plan your spring time renovations.

When spring arrives many people do a deep clean of their house or want to renovate before the Christmas season comes. There are so many fun and interesting ideas that you can incorporate in your home renovation project. You can redecorate the lounge, change the floor tiles, or create a new kitchen.

Kitchens are always a room in the house that people want to fix up because it is the heart of the home. Great meals are made there and people spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The cabinets are the most popular change to make because it brings the whole room together as a whole. Decide what colour you want and carry this colour through all the way. The cabinets, door handles, drawers and tiles should all tie in the chosen colour. A kitchen door with glass is a good touch because it brings more light inside. Decide on the design. It could be a classic design or modern, or perhaps eccentric. Modern designs with light colours and curves incorporated are popular at the moment.

The lounge is another room that benefits from major renovations. You can be creative in this room. If you have a design in mind, stick to it. The modern designs such as monochrome and bright colours are popular. These two styles are miles apart but it all depends on your preference. The monochrome black and white colours create a neat and clean interpretation of your home. Whilst the bright colour combinations such as red with white, or orange with yellow, or chocolate brown with aqua, give your home a lively feel. Don’t forget that the front door forms part of the lounge, so it needs to be upgraded too. For a modern house the large pivot doors are glamorous and stylish. They have a certain appeal to them.

If you plan on doing any renovations this spring, take this time to get your thoughts together. Then create the design in your head and plan it, so that it all comes together as a whole.

Antique Indian Furniture designs are full of an earthy vibrancy, a tumultuous love story of pattern and texture with the sandy whitewashed cabinets, Jaipur blue consoles, deep green rustic door cabinets. Each room starts with a stillness of subdued, soft base that allows the vibrancy of design elements to emerge.The structured decor is neutral and the accessories or furnitures are bold and exotic.

A beautiful old Haveli door make a phenomenal headboard, with a long chest at the end of the bed to store blankets and pillows. The bay window is framed with an antique arch that reminds you of old palaces in India with their cusped windows. Soft pashmina blankets and colorful toss pillows complete the design. An Old door long sideboard chest is used as a media console and gives added storage. Connecting to the roots and an infusion of culture and history makes you stand apart from the crowd. Mixing styles and being globally inspired, keep the color tones in a similar category so as to stay uniformly chaotic.

Traditional classic design with a bohemian flair yet polished and purposeful, haute bohemian interiors are a class apart. Curated antique sculptures with the energies of ancient spiritual wisdom bring the essence of the world traveller with sophisticated and purposeful design.

Always envision the space as a whole, the furniture and accessories should fall in rhythmic tones of abandoned joy. Bold embellished handmade colorful tapestries from Kutch, the tribal nomadic tribes in India, a visual treat of embroidered threads woven in love. Subtle hues and mirrors that reflect the twinkling lights give the room a romantic feel.

A tall arched cusped architectural verandah frames the window looking out to the garden, the carved detail of flowers, paisleys and lotus aligning the energies of the room to your personality, the boldness of your exuberant spirit is nourished. Love in traditional design and the bohemian spirit that makes you happy and grounded to Mother Earth. The brass medallions, iron nails take care of the electromagnetic charge so that you can nourish your free spirit.

Home is where the heart is; peaceful, quiet and blissfully serene. A home that heals gives you love and vibrates with your energy, designing and decorating such a home comes naturally with the philosophies of ancient spirituality.

We talk of chakras and the flow of energy that keeps our bodies balanced, the same comes true to our home as well. Each corner and direction reverberates with a certain color frequency and pulsates with a life force.

The living room and bedroom inspire a feeling of calmness and tranquility over bright colors. Vintage mandala lotus carved credenza and chakra carved buffets, subtle patinas and lustrous sheer soft curtains create an ambiance of relaxed tranquility.Cozy bedrooms with arched doorways, living rooms decorated with carved panels, your home is a reservoir of energy. Beautiful aged wood and washed textures enhance each space going to the source and connecting with old world traditions. Your home is beautiful and the source of all joy. Guided with energy balance techniques and antique carvings your home attracts love, luck and prosperity in abundance.

Vintage rustic carved woods create a balance between all the latest gadgetry and sophisticated appliances. Earthing grounding antique doors used as headboards or office den doors, carved with ancient symbols of good luck and protection, the patinas and the studded metals telling stories of the past. Rustic sophistication and a relaxed air of going back to the basics being connected to mother earth is the key to creating a healing home.

A meditation room or sacred space that is tastefully decorated and furnished with relaxing subtle color create a positive energy flow. Wall sculptures of Ganesha, Buddha line the wall giving the feeling of being in the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Your aura is healing at the deepest level of consciousness. The ancient sciences of the vedas, sanskrit mantras play softly in the background. Candlelight gives a softness and a feeling of peacefulness. An authentic damchia or old Indian chest sits in the corner filled with photographs of your loved ones.

Nature has a mysteriously beautiful way of helping us relax surrounded by lush, green trees your patio has a beautiful swing and hand crafted original artisan statuary. The swing is lavishly carved in beautiful wood tones with colorful accent sari toss pillows. An antique Haveli door creates brilliant scenery with colorful and fragrant flowers. An escape to nature after an exhausting day at work, or just enjoy the sun on a lazy afternoon. Design that heals connects you to nature and its beauty that is boldly Mogul!

If you are getting ready to build a new home or renovate a old one and have handrails you want to incorporate then you need to get up to date on basic interior handrail code requirements.

Before we begin discussing basic handrail codes we need to make a clear distinction between handrails and top rails. A top rail is a barrier that keeps people from falling over. The handrail is the part you physically hold on as you climb the stirs. In this article we will be discussing handrails and not top rails unless the top rail is also the handrail.

When it come to handrails there are three code requirements that need to be followed:

Handrail hight
Handrail size
Baluster spacing
Handrail hights are simple. OSHA states that the handrail hight shall be no less than 30 inches to a maximum of 37 inches high. This may seem low for some locations but remember you can also have a higher top rail if the site is intimidating. IBC or the International Building Code requires handrails to be no less than 42 inches unless it is a 3 story building then your minimum hight is 36 inches. As a fabricator of metal handrails I typically make mine 36 inches high for most residential projects.
Handrail size is another issue and as a rule of thumb they should not exceed 2 inches wide and you should leave at least 1.5 inches of space between the handrail and the wall or top rail to allow easy grabbing without getting your hand stuck between the rail and wall.

Baluster spacing is a major safety issue when it comes to young children. The baluster is the picket or spindle of the handrail and spacing needs to be tight enough that a toddler cannot slip through the spaces. The spacing rule says that a 4 3/8 inch ball shall not pass through the spaces. What this means is a building inspector will have a 4 3/8 inch ball with them and if it passes through any baluster then your handrails are not up to code. Many people think the rule is a 4 inch ball but it is actually a 4 3/8 inch ball that cannot pass through the spaces.

Finally if you are planing to upgrade your home or build a new one you really need to check with your local building inspector. Some cities and counties might have different requirements. As a rule of thumb stick to a handrail hight of 36 to 37 inches, allow at least 1 1/2 inches of space for your hand to fit between the handrail and wall or top rail and keep your buluster spacing to 4 inches or less.

Quartz countertops bring a series of positive advantages. Appearances are bewitching and grand; they are very strong and will last really long besides the immense value. Pretty kitchens are rendered more attractive by natural stone like granite, quartzite and marble. Quartz will bring fresh life to aging and fading kitchen scenarios, but is it the same as quartzite? Would quartz communicate the same timeless appeal like marble and other natural stone? Perhaps looks matter most besides maintenance and budgets, and quartz certainly has rave looks and the lavish feel of opulence.

Q Premium Quartz deserves all the praise you can give it. Quartz does lead the list of countertops material that stuns the senses and provides topics for conversation and a lot of pride. Swing to the beat of 2018 by going contemporary and investing in the most luxury-filled quartz countertop styles. The truth is that quartz slabs often get mistaken for the real marble and the stunning similarity would do a world of good to the kitchen environment.

Every type of kitchen, whether spacious designer kitchens or the confined spaces, would benefit from the super quartz look and feel. High end or minimalist, kitchens would get a magnificent sense and aesthetic from the most desired quartz-based surroundings.

Carrara Grigio Quartz
Though the whole world desires marble interiors, the truth is that it is hard to maintain. Looks may kill, but what about the years and decades of caring for the precious marble? Most people cannot put up with all the issues of maintaining marble. Yet, the marble dream now has a new manifestation. The Q Premium marble-look quartz Carrara Grigio Quartz is so realistically like marble! The upscale look alike would convince guests that you have really invested in marble. It would appear wonderful that the countertops look so clean and dazzling amidst all the food preparation.

Calacatta Verona Quartz
Share the secrets of interior decorators and designers of quartz that looks as charming and dramatic as marble. In budget terms, quartz does not pinch the pocket like marble does. The quartz magic need not stop at the countertops. The money saved could be invested on appliances or more quartz installations wherever you see fit, like in backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms. Calacatta Verona Quartz looks as pretty as the classic Italian marble with a white backdrop and cute gray veins running through it.

Pelican White Quartz
Here is another marble imitation called Pelican White Quartz that looks lavish and is so pretty. It is appropriate for conventional interiors and brings a classic touch to modern décor. The gray swirls against a white background create a light and airy feeling that suits natural wood floors and modern fittings and furnishings too. Build your own private spa for the family and friends that revives dull spirits with electrifying effects.

Fossil Taupe Quartz
Quartz countertops do fill the eye and mind with illusions of plenty in refined elegance. Fossil Taupe Quartz presents a midtone polished surface that has delicate spots with a visually appealing statement piece. The gentle minimalist surface goes well with other artistic pieces of art or pendulum lighting. Modern interiors and clean lines say it all with vivid effect.

Fairy White Quartz
Colors or the lack of them can be eternally appealing! White, silver, and gray combine and complement each other so well. Dazzlingly white kitchens like clouds everywhere appeal and harmonize. Fairy White Quartz has grays and silvers on a white backdrop and the finish is lustrous. Congested kitchens would benefit immensely from this charm.

The search for strength that combines with beauty in interior decoration ends with quartz. It is a manufactured product and that is why quartz has so many advantages. Quartz is natural and very strong. There are no compromises with all the quartz advantages coming your way, unlike marble. An ideal kitchen countertop is assured with quartz. Browse the web gallery and see the rich quartz colors and patterns on display.

If you visit the online store you will get to know how amazing collections of tiles we have in our store. You can choose the best one from their huge range of varieties. Quality wise almost all products are recommendable. Cost effective pricing added the value to it.

Handrails are one of the features many homes have and in this article we will discuss the terminology you need to learn to communicate with your architect or interior designer. Handrails have three main parts:

The Handrail
Posts
Balusters
The handrail is the part you physically hold onto. Handrails come in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, stone or even glass. There are a few main rules you need to follow when designing the handrails for your home. First the hight for most residential applications is no less than 36 inches and no more than 37 inches high. I general I stick to 36 inches to the top for most residential projects.The second is you want at least 1 1/2 inches of space between the handrail and the wall so your hand can comfortably wrap around it without being caught between the two. Your design options for your handrail are endless combinations that can give your home the feel you want.
Posts are what secure the handrail to the stairs. These are where the strength of the handrails come from. Posts come in many material types and styles. Most common post types are wood and metal but stone, glass and other materials can also be used. As a general rule you want your posts to be able to handle at least 200 lbs of side force to keep up to building codes. Be warned there are posts being sold that are decorative and do not support the minimum weight requirements.

Balusters are what fill the space between the handrail, posts and the stairs. They also go by the names of spindles and pickets depending on the railing type and use. There are many styles and options available depending on the home style you want to create. Some material options are wood, metal and glass on most stair cases. Balusters typically run vertically with the posts but modern designs have them going horizontally and in many direction in the case of architectural iron balusters. As a rule of thumb you want the spacing of the balusters to be tight enough that a 4 3/8 inch ball cannot pass through the spaces so that a small child cannot slip through.

Hopefully this article has given you a grasp of the terminology your designer or contractor will use. Now that you know what the parts are named you should easily communicate your ideas.

Designing your home in Mediterranean rustic style brings to mind bright summer days, arched cusped doorways, rustic vintage wooden furniture, rough patinas and imperfect neutral colors. Old wrought iron is used throughout the home. A beautiful old teak balcony railing accents the unfinished wooden ceiling beams. A boldly beautiful statement that is repeated in the fireplace mantel which is made from reclaimed old antique doors and arches, studded with iron medallions.

Built-in niches and alcoves are resplendent with the heavy white textured wall finish. A carved whitewashed rustic arched mirror brings in depth to the room. A cozy oxcart daybed with scattered pillows peeks out from beyond the formal room, and on top of the fireplace sits an eclectic piece of art in earthy colors.

Arches and columns are found throughout the house, cusped doorways, beautiful dark wood carved accent doors and windows, mantles that display treasures from your travels. The antique triple arched architectural veranda accents the view to the courtyard where sits a beautiful three tiered fountain. An antique door in dark teak and gorgeous carved detail is seen with climbing ivy and moss giving the soft warmth of aged wood and old bygone days. Sun soaked doors and the resplendent rustic architecture brings in the classic ambiance of Tuscany. Unpretentious colors and natural fabrics like handloom cotton bed throws and silk curtains accent the flavor. Bold designs and patterns complement the design, be it modern contemporary or traditional style.

Earthy red tile contrasts with the deep ochre patina of rustic old door cabinets that store your china. The doors are hand carved with old traditional designs and have seen several shades of color as the years go by, the beauty of worn patina and sun bleached doors is indescribable. Warm earthy tones and natural fabrics, cotton patchwork toss pillow and sheer curtains add to the romance of dark woods and burnished hardware. Mosaic tile credenza with wrought iron facade in distressed blue emboldens the spirit of Mediterranean decor.

In the warm desert climate limestone washed rustic white doors and furniture was used to keep the interiors cool and relaxed. And then the color of the oceans and seas, aqua blue, teals and turquoise act as contrast to the white and break up the uniformity. Distressed blue consoles and cabinets, old handmade turquoise armoires take a pivotal role in Mediterranean interiors. Old antique patterns and handcrafted in the old traditional methods the sideboard with the iron straps works as a media console.

It’s not only restaurants that have chefs, many people are their own chefs at home. They take care of their family and ensure that food is on the table at supper time, lunch is prepared, and breakfast is ready in the mornings. As a home chef you need to prepare three meals every day while also juggling your other household and work tasks. To make life in the kitchen a bit easier, there are a few catering equipment items that can help the home chef.

Utensils. The correct utensils will really help you in the kitchen. An egg lifter, serving spoons, soup spoon, carving knife, and cheese knife, are utensils that will make food preparation and serving a delightful task. Make sure that you have all the necessary utensils to complete your cooking tasks.
Frying Pan. The right frying pan will help you when it comes to frying and cleaning. It is advisable to invest in a non-stick quality frying pan. You want to be able to fry eggs, meat, chicken, etcetera, without it sticking to the pan. If food does not stick to the pan, it will make lifting the food from the pan much easier. Thus cleaning the pan will be a breeze because you don’t need to scrub off any tough burnt food.
Microwave Oven. This is the quickest way to heat or reheat any meal. Heat milk quickly for cereal in the morning. With certain types of microwave ovens you can cook foods such as chicken. Invest in a microwave steamer and quickly steam vegetables in the microwave oven for supper.
Dishwasher. After all the cooking and eating is done, there will always be a lot of dishes to contend with. You don’t have to stand at the kitchen sink to wash all these soiled dishes. Rather get an economical dishwasher, fill it with all the dishes and let it wash the dirty dishes for you. To save time, after the last supper dishes you can switch the dishwasher on before you go to sleep and let it run while you’re asleep. The next morning when you wake up, all the dishes will be clean. Very convenient.
Food Processor. This catering equipment is a life saver, because it is a huge time saver. You can mix different types of foods such as vegetables, fruit or soups. Instead of mixing or blending manually, which takes a lot of time and energy, you can simply push a button and let the food processor do the work.
Every home chef is a gem in any household, so why not make life easier for these wonderful people.
CaterWeb stocks a full range of commercial kitchen products and we even offer free demonstrations as well as hands on training if necessary. Visit our website to access our online store or alternatively we welcome you to visit our new showroom.